33 Flavorful Memorial Day Recipes to Celebrate the Holiday

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s easy to fall into a culinary routine, serving up the same old dishes year after year. But why not shake things up and offer a diverse array of options at your gathering? Think beyond the standard hot dogs, burgers, and popcorn chicken. Instead, create a spread that caters to all tastes with an abundance of sides, vegetarian delights, succulent chicken dishes, and decadent desserts.

To help you mix things up, we’ve curated 33 mouthwatering Memorial Day recipes that are sure to impress your guests.

KFC Coleslaw Recipe

A BBQ staple, coleslaw is an integral part of the traditional American picnic fare, alongside potato salad. This revered recipe for a tangy twist on classic coleslaw is a game-changer, combining familiar flavors with some unexpected surprises. Like KFC’s iconic rendition, this version incorporates carrots, onions, buttermilk, and cabbage – the perfect blend to please even the most discerning palates.

What sets it apart, however, are the clever additions of lemon juice and sugar, which may raise an eyebrow or two at first, but ultimately prove to be a masterstroke. Experience the magic for yourself by heading straight to the recipe.

Grilled Creamed Corn

To take creamed corn to the next level, a few strategic additions can make all the difference. Spices and a combination of real and cream cheese are essential for unlocking its full flavor potential. One key ingredient that can elevate this humble side dish is the addition of jalapeños. What’s more, these spicy peppers won’t overpower the dish due to the balancing effect of the cream cheese, which helps temper their heat.

With these simple yet impactful additions, you’ll be left wondering how you ever settled for plain old creamed corn in the first place.

Vegan Chickpea Burgers

While they may not replicate the authentic taste of a classic beef burger, these vegan burgers offer a unique combination of flavor, satisfaction, and nutritional value. They’re sure to delight your plant-based friends at any gathering, including Memorial Day barbecues. In fact, we predict that even non-vegans will be impressed by their quality.

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

When it comes to serving apple crisp to a large group of people, you can’t go wrong. One of the best things about this dessert is that it eliminates the need for creating a crust, allowing you to focus on the warm, comforting flavors of the apples and topping. The crunchy texture provided by the crisp topping is also unmatched by traditional pie crusts.

To take it to the next level, serve your apple crisp with a scoop of your favorite ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly special treat.

Marinated Vegetable Kabobs

Elevate your barbecue game by introducing deliciously flavorful vegetable kabobs, expertly prepared using a tried-and-true method: marinating. These colorful skewers add a festive touch to any outdoor gathering, especially when the vegetables are infused with a tangy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves everyone wanting more! With this simple yet effective approach, you can create an unforgettable dining experience for your guests.

Bacon Dip Corn

The versatility of corn as an ingredient stems from its harmonious combination with various foods, facilitated by its striking color, rich flavor, and satisfying crunch. This ‘dip’ actually transcends the typical definition, morphing into a delightful creamy corn and bacon salad. The texture is truly exceptional, courtesy of the interplay between bell pepper, corn, jalapeños, and onion. While it shines when served hot, this dish would also be thoroughly enjoyable when served chilled.

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Indulge in the ultimate Memorial Day dessert combination: rich, fudgy brownies paired with creamy, sweet ice cream. For a visually appealing contrast, opt for vanilla ice cream, but feel free to get creative and use your favorite flavor – perhaps a vibrant raspberry pink for added visual interest.

Grilled Corn On The Cob

There’s something truly special about grilled corn on the cob. The natural sweetness and rich flavors of the maize are elevated to new heights when kissed by a hint of smoke and char. This simple yet flavorful dish is often enhanced with the creamy richness of butter and the savory depth of salt. Whether served alongside grilled steak, chicken, hamburgers, or chicken wings, it’s undeniable that grilled corn on the cob captures the essence of summer – warm, inviting, and full of life.

Bisquick Fried Chicken Recipe

For a more varied and inclusive approach, consider incorporating chicken-based dishes into your menu rotation. Not everyone may have a taste for hot dogs or consume red meat, making this addition a thoughtful consideration. Interestingly, despite its name suggesting fried preparation, this particular dish is actually baked to perfection. The result is tender and crunchy meat with a satisfying coating that’s both juicy and flavorful.

When it comes to selecting chicken pieces, we find bone-in legs and thighs to be our go-to choice, although chicken breasts can also work well. To ensure the chicken stays moist and delicious, simply keep an eye on it as it bakes and adjust as needed.

Jalapeño Corn Coleslaw

At the heart of this mouthwatering coleslaw lies a harmonious blend of cabbage, corn, jalapeños, cilantro, and onions. Its unique flavor profile is characterized by a delightful interplay of crispy freshness, sweet undertones, and spicy kick – making it an exemplary side dish for your next BBQ or potluck gathering. The secret to its irresistible charm lies in the zesty dressing, crafted with a judicious balance of mustard, celery seeds, lime, salt, and sugar.

While there’s a hint of heat from the jalapeños, the creamy dressing provides a soothing contrast, ensuring each bite is both satisfying and refreshing.

Fall Off The Bone Ribs

For those who can’t dedicate an entire day to slow-cooking, this expedited method yields equally tender results. Simply start by cooking the ribs in water before finishing them off in the oven. This streamlined approach still delivers fall-off-the-bone tenderness without requiring a lengthy cooking time. The real star of the show is undoubtedly the homemade BBQ sauce, which comes together quickly and imparts a rich, sweet, and smoky flavor to the ribs.

BBQ Baked Beans

While store-bought canned baked beans often have a sweet and runny consistency, freshly cooked baked beans offer a richer, more flavorful experience with a pleasant smokiness. The difference is undeniable when you create your own. A blend of essential ingredients like meat, mesquite flavor, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and molasses provides the perfect base for your baked beans.

For an added kick, feel free to incorporate cayenne pepper for a spicy twist – allowing you to tailor the taste to your liking.

Strawberry Icebox Cake

Savor the flavors of Memorial Day without heating up the kitchen! This show-stopping dessert requires no baking, yet promises a taste sensation that will leave your guests in awe. The key is to craft a rich and creamy filling, which you’ll then layer with crunchy graham crackers and sweet strawberries. As each bite unfolds, the textures and flavors meld together in perfect harmony, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. And the best part?

This impressive dessert can be prepared without breaking a sweat – or turning on the oven!

Watermelon Salad With Feta

While the combination of watermelon with lime, avocado, mint, and feta may seem unconventional at first glance, it surprisingly yields a refreshing side dish perfect for your Memorial Day celebration. The tangy lime dressing harmoniously binds the ingredients together, resulting in a delightful culinary experience characterized by its salty, creamy, and satisfying textures.

Creamy Whipped Feta Dip

In just under five minutes, this indulgent dip can be whipped up using only a handful of ingredients – no cooking required! This convenience makes it an ideal solution when unexpected shortages arise. Its versatility is another major draw, as it beautifully complements a wide range of snacks, including crunchy vegetables, crispy chips, savory crackers, nutty almonds, salty olives, and sweet dried fruit.

With its impressive array of pairing options, this creamy dip is the perfect addition to your Memorial Day gathering – ensuring everyone leaves with full bellies and happy memories.

Chicken Tender Sub Sandwich Recipe

When it comes to serving the perfect party, buttermilk fried chicken takes the crown. Its exceptional juiciness and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. What’s more, allowing guests to build their own subs with various fillings adds an exciting element of customization. As the master chef, you’ll be responsible for crafting crispy, mouthwatering chicken, while guests get to choose from an array of pairings – creating a truly unique and enjoyable experience.

Triple Berry Pie

Indulge in the sweet simplicity of this Triple Berry Pie, a delightful homemade treat that’s sure to impress. With the versatility to use either fresh or frozen blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that consistently holds its shape flawlessly. The elegant lattice design on top is surprisingly easy to recreate, making it an impressive showstopper for your Memorial Day gatherings.

Copycat White Castle Sliders

Indulging in White Castle’s iconic sliders is an experience like no other. The unparalleled juiciness and savory onion flavor have left many a fan craving more. But what if you could recreate this magic at home? It’s all about combining tender beef with a dry onion mixture, allowing you to savor the richness and subtle sweetness of the onions in every bite. By incorporating small onions already present in the mixture, you’ll unlock the secret to capturing White Castle’s signature taste.

Healthy Homemade Fruit Popsicles

Crafting homemade popsicles is an effortless way to ensure their natural purity, devoid of any added sugars or artificial enhancers. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a medley of fresh fruits and a gentle mixer are all you need. These delightful treats are particularly suitable for individuals monitoring their diet or adhering to specific dietary restrictions.

For a dairy-free version, consider incorporating vegan yogurt; however, if you prefer a less creamy texture, a dash of water or fruit juice will suffice.

Erin’s Peach & Avocado Green Salad

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in this delectable avocado and peach salad! The tangy kick from the blue cheese is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of the peaches and creaminess of the avocado. The added crunch from lightly toasted almonds and thinly sliced red onion takes it to the next level. Experience the symphony of flavors for yourself!

Cobb Pasta Salad

For warm-weather gatherings like picnics, potlucks, or BBQs, Cobb Pasta Salad is the perfect go-to dish. Its satisfying mix of hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado makes it a crowd-pleaser. When you add in a homemade ranch dressing, you’ve got a recipe that’s sure to be devoured by everyone at the party.

BBQ Hot Dogs With Cilantro Slaw

On any given day, basic hot dogs paired with ketchup make for a satisfying meal. But when hosting a larger gathering like a Memorial Day celebration, the humble hot dog can easily elevate its game by teaming up with herby slaw and rich BBQ sauce. The best part? This flavorful combo can be whipped together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for feeding a crowd of hungry partygoers.

Fresh Corn Salad

For those who crave the sweetness of corn without the hassle of husking a cob, this salad is a delight. The satisfying crunch provides a delightful contrast to the soft kernels, making it a stellar side dish. When it comes to dressing, subtlety is key – you don’t want to overwhelm the natural flavors of the corn. Instead, allow the tartness to balance out the sweetness, creating a harmonious union that will leave you wanting more.

Lemonade Recipe

Lemonade, a refreshing classic, is an essential addition to any backyard gathering. Its universal appeal makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. And the best part? Preparing large quantities of this sweet and tangy drink is a breeze. To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, one crucial step is to dissolve sugar in hot water, allowing it to cool before introducing lemon juice. This straightforward process ensures a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes.

But why stop at traditional? Consider elevating this classic by incorporating fresh fruits like peaches, strawberries, or raspberries. The resulting flavor combinations will have your guests clamoring for more.

Grilled Potatoes

When it comes to creating an exceptional potato side dish, two key components stand out: red potatoes and a savory rub. Red potatoes are particularly well-suited for grilling, as they cook more evenly and retain their shape better than other varieties. This makes them easy to flip and grill, resulting in a deliciously charred exterior and fluffy interior.

The rub, meanwhile, infuses the potatoes with an array of herby and sweet flavors courtesy of thyme, salt, sage, nutmeg, oregano, and black pepper. These aromatic spices perfectly complement the smoky notes imparted by the grill, elevating the humble potato to new heights.

Grandma’s Macaroni Salad

This macaroni salad stands out from its ordinary counterparts, including those found in supermarkets. The recipe relies on substantial elbow macaroni, a generous amount of hard-boiled eggs, and a subtle drizzle of a sweet relish blended with mayo and Miracle Whip. This harmonious combination produces a dressing that skillfully balances the tanginess of the salad. As a result, this comfort food becomes an ideal accompaniment to burgers or hot dogs, making it a match made in heaven.

Easy Grilled Vegetables

Unlock the natural sweetness in your favorite vegetables by grilling them to perfection. The intense heat of the grill infuses each bite with a deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Unlike traditional recipes that require marinades and skewers, this process is refreshingly straightforward. Simply choose your desired vegetables, toss them on the grill, and enjoy the fruits of your labor in just a few minutes. The best part?

You can use any vegetables you like, making it a versatile and delicious option for any meal.

Grilled Chicken Wings With Seasoned Buffalo Sauce

To achieve perfectly crispy skin, it’s crucial to grill the wings over a mild flame. The low heat allows for even cooking and ensures that excess fat melts away, leaving you with tender and flavorful chicken. While they’re delicious on their own, adding a tangy Buffalo sauce takes them to the next level. What’s more, this recipe is kid-friendly, making it a great option for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Easy Potato Salad

With an abundance of potato salad recipes out there, it’s easy to get carried away with elaborate ingredients and techniques. But at its core, a simple yet satisfying potato salad can be achieved with just three essential components: hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and potatoes. Of course, a few additional ingredients like milk, salt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, chives, pepper, and mustard come together to create a rich dressing that elevates the dish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you likely already have all the necessary pantry staples. A quick whisk and combination with the potatoes is all it takes to bring everything together. While eggs are optional, they do add a silky creaminess that’s hard to replicate without them.

Conclusion

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a great opportunity to shake things up in the kitchen and serve some fresh flavors at your gathering. If you’re tired of serving the same old dishes every year, now is the perfect time to mix things up and try something new. And to help you do just that, we’ve compiled 33 mouth-watering recipes for your next Memorial Day BBQ – a treasure trove of inspiration to elevate your outdoor cooking game.